- Manchester United interested in Micky van de Ven
- INEOS still see Heaven and Yoro as future defensive pairing
- Signing Spurs star is practically easier than ever before
With Champions League football almost secured, Manchester United have begun to move ahead with targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Reds need five points from their last five games to secure their return to Europe’s elite competition for the first time since 2023/24. A win against Brentford not only moves the side closer to mathematical confirmation but also disposes of an in-form Bees with their own aspirations of qualifying for Europe.
One familiar name has been touted as joining Old Trafford from a Premier League rival.
Van De Ven Being ‘Considered’
According to Laurie Whitwell from The Athletic, Manchester United have ‘considered’ a move for Tottenham Hotspur star Micky van de Ven.
Whitwell writes that Spurs’ survival from relegation will not be suffificient in keeping the player at the club. He said: the 25 year-old “is expected to attract interest whatever division Tottenham Hotspur end up in and his departure is potentially on the cards”.
As far as his profile goes, United most like his “speed, ball-carrying, and tackling ability” at the back. Whilst the defender has not had a very consistent season in a tumultuous Spurs side, he has still scored seven goals through his aggression. Cristian Romero’s injury has meant that he has taken on a senior role within the team in their fight for survival.
The Reds are in search of an “imposing, left-footed defender” as Whitwell writes, with Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven being the only two left-sided central defenders in the squad. The Argentine’s injury record has left question marks over his availability moving forward, whilst Heaven is still being nurtured as a future starter.
Signing Spurs Star Will Be Easier Than Ever
Last month, former United player Louis Saha named van de Ven as someone that his former club should look at. He said: “Micky van de Ven would be an exciting signing if he’s available, he’s the kind of player who can help take Manchester United to the next level.”
Those words seem to be ringing true, as his availability becomes clearer due to Spurs’ underwhelming failures in 2025/26. Those relegation fears come to the benefit of the Red Devils, who are looking to maximise squad depth for when they compete in four competitions next season.
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham are the two primary clubs to watch, as many of their elite talents will be desperate to remain in the top flight. With Rob Edwards’ side already officially relegated, United’s interest in the likes of Joao Gomes and Mateus Mane can now be pursued with greater clarity.
With van de Ven, the road to an exit is significantly smoother than in recent years. Daniel Levy is no longer at the club, having stepped down as executive chairman in September 2025. For decades, Levy was a thorn in the side for United negotiators, often demanding astronomical fees for his players.
United’s pursuit of Harry Kane under Erik ten Hag ended for that reason. Spurs face a harsh financial drop to the Championship if their worst fears come true. The need to balance the books becomes an urgent priority. The Dutchman’s £50,000 a week wages are moderate, but those are the factors for the club’s hierarchy to consider.
